Project Ekwueme: Gov. Otti’s magic wand toward achieving quality healthcare in Abia communities
By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu
The provision of adequate healthcare facilities is one of the fundamental responsibilities of both State and Federal Governments. Consequently, no responsible administration can afford to treat issues in the health sector with kid gloves.
However, despite the huge budgetary allocations to the sector over the years, many public healthcare facilities have remained in a sorry state – lacking manpower, essential medical equipment, security, and electricity.
The neglect of the health sector has led to the virtual collapse of primary and secondary healthcare facilities across Nigeria. This has resulted in citizens becoming overly reliant on the few tertiary hospitals for diagnosis and treatment, which shouldn’t be.
In addition to poor facilities, the sector is also grappling with brain drain, popularly known as the “Japa syndrome”. Given this backdrop, many Nigerians now depend heavily on private healthcare providers, with all the attendant exorbitant costs.
Those who cannot afford the cost of treatment and related logistics have resorted to traditional and spiritual healing centres. Unfortunately, many quacks have taken advantage of the situation to offer services that further complicate patients’ conditions, with some even losing their lives due to wrong diagnoses and treatments.
It is disheartening that while ordinary Nigerians suffer from the neglect of the health sector, the political class has popularised medical tourism to overseas countries, thereby encouraging high income earners to follow suit. Meanwhile, the middle class and poor Nigerians have continued to bear the brunt of inadequate healthcare at home.
But in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti is poised to change this narrative. Determined to reverse years of neglect, he has made significant strides in transforming the state’s healthcare sector. Numerous dilapidated hospitals and health centres have been renovated and upgraded to provide quality healthcare services to residents.
His policy thrust cuts across infrastructure renewal as well as improved welfare and remuneration for healthcare workers.
The governor has also initiated the renovation and retrofitting of general hospitals across the state. In addition, specialist hospitals are being constructed in each of the three senatorial zones to ensure that Abia residents and non-residents have easy and adequate access to medical care.
The administration’s effort to renovate and retrofit 200 primary health centres (PHCs) in 100 days, under the programme dubbed “Project Ekwueme”, underscores the importance it places on the well-/being of Abians.
Beyond structural renovation, these PHCs have been equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment to ensure functionality and delivery of excellent healthcare services.
Some of the equipment installed in the PHCs include oxygen cylinders, suction machines, incubator monitors, baby scales, wheelchairs, and laboratory equipment.
Others are refrigerators and standby generators to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
During the official handover of health facilities in Umudike and Obuohia Okike Communities, the South East Coordinator for WHO, Dr Chukwumuanya Igbokwu, expressed amazement at the quality of equipment in the centres.
Igbokwu gave assurance that WHO would partner with the Abia Government to enhance healthcare delivery and provide the necessary support to optimise functionality.
He commended the policy direction of Gov. Otti’s administration, noting that it aligned with WHO’s advocacy for strengthening primary healthcare systems.
He said, “I’m glad that Gov. Alex Otti has prioritised the availability of quality primary healthcare in rural communities. This is the kind of news we want to hear at WHO as we partner with governments.
“I can assure you that, as a result of my visit here, WHO will be adopting these health facilities and supporting the State Government to sustain its progress.”
“As we tour these health facilities, if there are areas where WHO can complement the State Government’s efforts to provide the best care for the people, we will do so.
“The World Health Organization is closely observing what is happening in Abia in terms of improving healthcare service delivery.
“I oversee all states in the South-East and receive regular briefings from our coordinators. Abia has been outstanding in healthcare delivery.
“For me, this is a testament to the governor’s commitment to healthcare. The people of Abia are indeed fortunate to have a leader like Dr Otti, who prioritises their health.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said that Gov. Otti has already approved the construction of staff quarters and perimeter fencing for the health centres, in line with his broader healthcare revolution agenda.
He emphasised that the beneficiaries of the PHCs — residents in both rural and urban areas — must take ownership of the facilities, protect them, and ensure that health workers were held accountable to deliver quality service at all times.
Gov. Otti is restoring hope to the masses who voted him into office. His policies, programmes and projects have indeed justified the confidence reposed in him by the Abia electorate, who massively voted him into office.
#Gov. Otti is Building the New Abia!
#To God Be the Glory!
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu is a journalist and public affairs analyst writing from Umuahia.